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withlivjones's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is a real stream-of-consciousness novel with some beautiful prose and a real no-plot-just-vibes feel. Half historical fiction, half contemporary literary fiction, it’s like two interconnected novellas in one. Ali Smith’s exploration of grief in the second half of the novel is so real and heartbreaking, and her classic insertion of contemporary politics into the novel did not go amiss (I personally rather enjoy it, although I can see why others might not). I do, however, feel that occasionally the narrative wandered a little too far off course and the book could’ve done with being a bit shorter to really hammer home the themes of grief and love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Transphobia
penofpossibilities's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
You should read this without knowing anything about it and with an open and philosophical mind (or not)
I thought it was near perfect
I thought it was near perfect
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Pedophilia, Sexual content, and Stalking
Minor: Ableism, Animal death, Bullying, Misogyny, Transphobia, Xenophobia, and Antisemitism
millieh404's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexism, Transphobia, and Death of parent